Jerome Farmers Market

Farmers Markets stand the test of time

by Jerome Farmers Market, May 04, 2017

Farmers Markets have been a cornerstone to the entrepreneurial spirit of America. It was a way for hard working farmers to sell their goods and get their brand out into the public. It was supply and demand at its most authentic. This entrepreneurial spirit is still alive today as farmers, artisans, cooks and bakers gather together once a week to sell their goods and establish their brand.

We invite all to join us this Summer in a tradition as rich and timeless as our forefather's fight for independence and self sustainability.

If you're still not convinced, here are 5 of 15 reasons to be a part of the Farmers Market, either as a vendor or a buyer. You can find the rest of the list HERE.

1. Farm fresh: Fruits and vegetables you find at the grocery store are often several days old before they even reach the produce aisle. Before produce hits supermarket shelves, it ships in refrigerated trucks, possibly from thousands of miles away. Farmer’s market produce, on the other hand, is nearly the antithesis of grocery store fruits and vegetables. In most cases, the owner of the stand picked it just that morning, so you know the food is as fresh as you can get it outside of growing it yourself.

circa 1956

2. Organic and non-GMO: Many farmers participating in local farmer’s markets use organic methods to grow their produce. Most label it as such, so you can be certain you are purchasing chemical free products. They also are more likely to use non-modified seeds. Organic farming is better for the soil, the environment, and your body.

“A farmer displays his potatoes and cabbages at Eastern Market in the early 20th century. By then, Detroit already had a long and colorful history of farmers markets, with the first city-owned market starting in 1803. Eastern Market began in 1891.”

3. Seasonal: There’s a move in the United States towards a more seasonal style of eating where one eats what is locally available in season. Some nutritionists and scientists suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your body, because humans ate seasonal produce for thousands of years before refrigerated shipping changed all that. Still, eating produce in season only makes sense. Lighter fruits and vegetables are available seasonally in the spring and summer, while heartier winter vegetables like squash and parsnips provide sustenance for the cooler autumn and winter months.

circa 1943

4. Ripe: Offerings at the farmer’s market are generally picked at the peak of their ripeness when the plants’ natural sugars are at their peak. Eating produce when it is ripe not only tastes better, but it also provides the best nutrition possible.

circa 1939

5. More nutritious: One look at the vivid colors of produce found at the farmer’s market, and you’ll be able to tell just how nutritious the fruits and vegetables are. Compare that to produce at the grocery store, and you’ll see that the supermarket fruits and vegetables pale in comparison. Vivid colors in fruits and vegetables are a reflection of the nutrients they contain. Many local farmers cultivate extremely nutritious produce through their careful farming methods.

circa 1942

The many uses of Lavender...

by Jerome Farmers Market, May 02, 2017

Our fields of Lavender are growing. So we thought we would share a few ways for you to use the lavender products we will be selling at the market this season. There is a list of 50 uses for lavender via a wonderful website, Naturopathic By Nature. For the entire list please visit their website HERE.

SALAD DRESSING: For a lovely salad dressing, whisk together 6 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 crushed garlic clove, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp each mustard powder & organic dried lavender flower.

BUG CONTROL: Crush fresh lavender flowers and spread it on your legs & arms to help repel flies & mosquitoes while sitting outside in the summer.

DECOR: Tie a handful of fresh lavender flowers together with decorative string or ribbon, and hang it on a door for a cozy & fragrant décor.

MAKE IT PRETTY: Add organic lavender blooms to your lemon or vanilla desserts to make them look delicate and pretty.

SLEEP WELL: Sprinkle lavender essential oil on your pillow at night for a peaceful night’s sleep (this is safe for the whole family, babies & toddlers included).

BYE BYE ACNE: Dab a few drops of diluted lavender essential oil onto acne spots to reduce inflammation and inhibit overgrowth acne-causing bacteria to the skin.

Make a Soothing Lavender Salve: slowly heat ½ cup olive oil over low heat. Add ¼ cup organic lavender buds, turn off heat and let cool 20 mins. Strain into a glass measuring cup. Boil an inch of water in a pot, simmer & place cup in water. To the cup, add 2 Tbsp grated beeswax, 10 drops lavender essential oil, contents of 1 pierced vitamin E capsule. Let simmer, stirring until all is melted. Pour into a dark glass jar, cool, seal & store. Lastly…enjoy! (For another recipe click on the picture below)

SMELLS GOOD: Homemade lavender potpourri makes for a great gift for yourself or a loved one.

A BIT OF PURPLE: Use organic lavender blooms as a garnish to add a beautiful purple hue to your cooking.

What can't lavender do!?

Gardening Quotes...

by Jerome Farmers Market, April 29, 2017

As you prepare your garden and anticipate the harvest, here is some food for thought...

Planting Calculator, based on where you live!

by Jerome Farmers Market, April 25, 2017

The Old Farmer's Almanac is a favorite website of the Farmers Market. There is a wealth of knowledge about gardening, planting and what to expect regarding weather and soil conditions in your area.

One of the neatest things we stumbled upon while pursuing their site is a page that informs you when and what to plant depending on forecasted frosts and other weather in your area. You can also find a planting calendar specific to your region! Try it by clicking the link below...

...PLANTING DATES CALCULATOR BY STATE

To find the rest of this calendar for Jerome, ID click HERE.

Happy Planting!

Asparagus, Radishes, Sugar Snap Peas... oh my!

by Jerome Farmers Market, April 21, 2017

Spring veggies are on their way!

~Asparagus ~Artichoke ~Sugar Snap Peas

~Snow Peas ~Radishes

We found some yummy recipes using these delectable bits of goodness from mother earth, just click on the picture below to get the recipes.

REAL SIMPLE - 10 SPRING VEGETABLE RECIPES

ENJOY!

Honey, honey, and...more honey!

by Jerome Farmers Market, April 08, 2017

Another treat to look for at the Jerome Farmers Market this season is our wide variety of honey.

All of our honey is homemade (by bees) and is absolutely delicious. We will have samples at the market, for those of you who are curious as to what buckwheat honey tastes like. ;)

We will also have a plethora of these pretty honey sticks on hand to purchase. They really are very pretty and just gleam in the sunlight, but are far better eaten than saved.

Honey Varieties:

We are excited to see you at the Market!

For more information please email our director at:

farmersmarketcr@gmail.com

Keep checking our blog for the latest updates about our products and vendors!

New products coming this season!

by Jerome Farmers Market, April 06, 2017

We have a new line of products coming to the market this season!

The Farmers Market would like to introduce a line of handmade bath products created with soothing bath salts and essential oils. Our Bath Salts and Bath Bombs are sure to lift your spirits, sooth your aching muscles or allow you to take some time for yourself and relax.

If you would like to be a part of the market this season please email our Director at farmersmarketcr@gmail. Or go to the top of this blog and fill out an application.